Indian frontline volunteer recovers from COVID-19

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The novel coronavirus pandemic has succeeded in bringing the world to a standstill. But the viral infection has failed to break the healthy spirits of Naseer Vatanappally, an Indian social worker who was in the forefront to help thousands of people in Dubai’s Naif area to get tested for the disease.

Naseer was tirelessly working in coordination with Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Police in the emirate’s worst affected areas when he tested positive for COVID-19 on April 6. Strong-willed, albeit confined to a hospital bed, he worked for over 12 hours a day attending to the needs of hundreds of people who reached him over the phone seeking help.

He had virtually converted his room in the hospital as a control room fighting COVID-19. “I was extremely sad to hear about my result. I wanted to help more people. Once I felt that I have failed. But then, I realised that I should not lose my hope. I started attending to each case over the phone and connecting with the government authorities.”

In the hospital, Naseer remained in touch with all the volunteers and connected with the authorities over WhatsApp and Zoom app.

Completely free from COVID-19 infection, Naseer left Medeor Hospital on Saturday with all the hospital staff giving him a standing ovation as a tribute to his efforts to help the needy during the unprecedented crisis.

“I will start working in the affected areas. There are a lot of things that we need to do. Doctors have advised me to wear an N95 mask and gloves. I will be careful now and follow their instructions,” he said.

Naseer and his team of volunteers have helped over 2500 people in the Naif area alone to get tested for COVID-19.

“Once the outbreak was reported, we were working in close association with the government agencies. One day, I got a call from a person in the Naif area. He said that one of his roommates had tested positive for COVID-19 in Kasargode, Kerala, and a few of them were sick.

“I informed this to Dubai Police and the next day, doctors from DHA came to the spot to collect their samples. Soon, we found that they were many in the region who had symptoms. We collaborated with various hospitals to conduct a massive test for all these people,” he added.

Speaking about his experiences while undergoing treatment, he said that healthcare professionals are the real heroes “I was admitted to Medeor Hospital. I am extremely grateful to the doctors, nurses and the staff of the hospital. They treated me with the utmost care. I was deeply hurt to see the hardships they had to undergo. Donned in PPE, covering their face with an N-95 mask and goggles, it is a tough job. But despite these difficulties, they were very helpful.

“They always motivated me and said that there is nothing to be afraid of. Even the doctors were very supportive.”

Naseer added that one should not be afraid about the infection and stay strong. “This is like any other infectious disease. There is no need to be panic.

The disease is only fatal for those with underlying diseases. But it doesn’t mean that we take it lightly.

“We should be cautious and try to follow the government instructions.”

Naseer requested the Indian government to take immediate measures to repatriate NRIs who are struggling in the Gulf countries due to the pandemic.

“I do not want the government to take positive patients. The UAE government is attending to each case. But many Indians, particularly those who are vulnerable wish to go back home. For instance, there are many pregnant women.

“Similarly, thousands of people who have come on a visit visa to stay with their children or to search for a job are now caught up in a catch-22 situation. They should be repatriated.”

He added that hundreds of Indians in the UAE used to get their medicines from India and are now deprived due to the present conditions.